Utopia Salon - CLOSED

Billy had cuy my hair for several years when I lived in San Francisco, and I was never SO HAPPY!!! I have been out of the state several years now, and NO ONE can duplicate him. Every time I am even remotely near the bay area, a visit to Billy is 1st on my list. Anyone who would love a great cut, he is the man to see! I envy all of you who live close enough to see him on a regular basis! Lisa Sportelli-Wright more

i am so happy to know billy aldrich, stylist is making his way to the fabulous utopia salon! what a great addition this will be, billy is such a talented hairdresser who makes you comfortable too!good luck billy, see you very soon! more

I lived in Chicago for over 10 years and had the same Lincoln Park Stylist for much of that time. When I moved to SF it was hard to find someone good with cut and color who understood hair physiology. Martiza did great highlights and a glaze along with a flattering cut. She even talked to me on how to improve my hair texture which was damaged to over processing. I will definitely be back in 6 weeks for the touch up! Pros: Color knowledge Cons: none right now more

Maritza did my hair color and highlites 2 weeks ago. Everyone is asking me about it and all I get is complements. I will be back in a couple of weeks for my retouch. Pros: talented colorist more

After having just moved here from New Orleans I decided to try this salon out. I had heard good things from some co-workers about Utopia and decided to check it out on line,(before making an appointment) I read about a lot of great stylists, but after having gone to the salon's web site and checking out each stylists bio(they have a whole page with nothing but bios and pictures of each stylist!) I decided to have highlights and a color with Maritza, and a haircut with Kenny Berk. All I can say is they are truly a winning combination! I have gotten so MANY compliments on my color and haircut! I also scheduled an appointment with their manicurist Ann. She did a GREAT job on my nails(I had a gel fill, and I don't know what this one person was saying in their review about "worst manicure or fill" DEFINETLY NOT the case!) They really care about a persons experience, which I had a feeling would be great and I was proved right! Yeah! I have found a new salon(and as important a colorist and stylist and manicurist in one salon!) Will I be going back? ABSOLUTELY! See you next time Utopia! Pros: Wine! Reasonably priced(for a Union Square salon!) skill, great manicurist, friendly! Cons: Can't think of one! more

I started seeing Len way before he opened his own salon, after 2 of my girls recommended him to me. Over the years I have never been unhappy with any haircuts I have received from him (and it's been nearly 10 years!) The guy just knows how to cut hair. I started seeing Ann the manicurist for my nails (both manicure and pedicure) over 3 years ago and all I can say is Ann is great! The atmosphere is relaxed(or as relaxed as a hair salon can be!) and everyone (including the front desk person) is attentive,friendly and helpful. I would recommend you try Len (and Ann!) out, you won't be disappointed. Pros: On line appointment scheduling, nice artwork on walls, skill! Friendly, reasonably priced Cons: Parking sometimes difficult but parking garages nearby, no tips on credit cards for some stylists(be sure to ask!) more

they probably specialize in hair care, and i went there to have my nails done, i usually wear gel nails, and this was the worst gel manicure i have ever had, nothing more to add. maybe they are great for doing your hair... Pros: good location Cons: the worst manicures more

After a number of bad perms and colors from other salons I was thrilled to find Billy Aldrich years ago. I have long hair and most salons won't touch it, the few hairstylists that did left me looking like a wreck and my hair damaged. Not the case when Billy took over and worked his magic, and I do mean magic on my hair. Not only is he very gentle, he takes great care to get every detail done to perfection. When Billy's work of art is done my hair not only looks great but is in fantastic condition. Billy keeps up with the latest styles, hair care supplies, and wonderful tips to keep my hair healthy and happy. I am very excited to follow Billy to his new location at Utopia Salon. Do your hair a favor and visit Billy at Utopia Salon- your hair will love you for it! more

I recently had my highlights done by Maritza at Utopia. She was very professional in her work and process. My color looks incredible. If you are looking for a friendly stylist and efficient color she is wonderful. more

I recently tried Utopia based on many of the rave reviews I read here on Citysearch. I loved it! I saw Maritza first for highlights - she had fantastic ideas and really helped me gave a beautiful result that accents my skin tone and hair type perfectly! Kenny did my cut and as someone with very curly hair - I'm always nervous about my first cut with someone. He was outstanding and I think the cut is gorgeous - it wears well curly or straight! I also really appreciate the low-key vibe at the salon. It is not pretentious or over-the-top-uber-trendy. Everyone there seems very genuine and enjoyable to be around. Pros: location, ambiance, staff more

Billy is new to Utopia, but has worked in some of the most prestigious salons in San Francisco. He's done an amazing job on my hair for several years and recently took it from super long to above shoulder length and I've received nothing but rave reviews. Plus, he's a super cool guy too! more

Maritza brought my hair and my confidence back to life! I had taken horrible care of my hair in the past few months and had tried to color it myself at home. The result was an uneven mess. Maritza was understanding and helped me decide on a color and highlight combination that would be close to my natural color with some funky, modern flair. Not only did my hair turn out FANTASTIC, but I had the best time while having it done. Maritza is so friendly and warm, and we had a great time chatting - she is so easy to talk to. Maritza and Utopia gave me world-class service without any intimidation - one of the best salon experiences I've ever had. more

I am looking forward to following Billy A. to his now home at Utopia. Billy has givin me fantastic service and have enjoyed getting to know him as well all the best! Pros: great service good location more

Maritza did my hair for 3 years. She is very talented and also very nice. Now she lives in CA,and we all miss her here in CT. You will be in good hands if you see Maritza for your hair color. Pros: Excellent colorist Cons: she is not in CT anymore more

I am east coaster who lost a wonderful hairstylist. I first went to Maritza to have my hair done for my wedding. She did an amazing job and have my wedding photos to prove it. She did exactly what I wanted and knew what would work on me. After my wedding I came back to Maritza for a haircut and she gave me such an great new look. I am still receiving compliments. You west coasters are so lucky to have her and we will miss her. I am actually traveling to San Fran next year and will be sure to have my hair done by Maritza while I am there. Pros: Maritza is wonderful Cons: She is now in California more

My co-workers told me about a salon near where I work(well not really that nearby, as I work in the financial district and Utopia is located in Union Square) anyway the name of the salon they gave me was Utopia Salon. I had heard good things from my co-workers(3 of whom go to the salon for their hair and nails) and my co-workers recommended Len Handeland. He is the owner of the salon, and recently was featured in the S.F. Chronicle so I thought, this guy has got to be good! So I made an appointment went in and was absolutely taken by his kindness, his attentivness(he really listed to what I had to say during the consultation!) not to mention his talent! and Boy did he deliver! I had a highlight, base color and a trim(he told me it was a haircut, it's all the same he said) I have never looked better! All I can say is Thank you Len! You have restored my faith in "stylists" I had been previously going to someone for 15 years and I always ended up with the same boring look, but no longer! I have found a new stylist in Len and Utopia! I also tried their manicurist Ann, she was also amazing! I had her spa pedicure and the fragrance of the fresh mint leaves and lemon permeated the entire salon, it was quite an experience! I will definetly be back to see both Len and Ann! Thanks Len and Ann!!!! Pros: The BEST highlights I have ever gotten!(and haircut!) Great manicurist as well! Nice artwork on the walls! Wine! Cons: Parking is a little tricky, but enough garages in the area. Tips are discouraged on credit cards(they ask you to pay cash or check for that) more

My wife and I moved here almost a year ago from New York, and ever since then she's been frustrated every time she's gone to have her hair done. She even went back to NY one time. Either the cut was great, but not the color, or the color was great but not the cut, etc. And one time is was 'ok' but she really didn't care for the salon. And so I've been frustrated every time she gets her hair done, too. And one time she came home really sobbing. THAT was not a fun weekend. FINALLY she's found Maritza and Kenny at Utopia. I love them as my wife loves them. Kenny's cut is better than her guy in New York, and she loves what Martiza did with her color. And she likes the salon atmosphere, too. And when I went to meet her to pick her up, I enjoyed the lobby, very comfortable, and it was the end of the day so I said yes to the glass of wine they offered me. Lisa and I had the best night-out that night, she looked and felt mighty high that night! I'm seeing Kenny next week for the first time. Pros: BART is easier than parking; alot nearby restaurants to visit after; on-line booking Cons: My wife travels and she's used to scheduling at the last minute - not any more! more

After having heard about this salon called "Utopia" from some friends of mine that went there, I decided to check it out on line. I was immediately impressed with the salon's web site, and after having read all of the bios of the stylists on the salon's web site(not to mention all of the reviews left on CitySearch) I decided to schedule a haircut appointment with Kenny Berk, and have a highlight coloring job with Maritza. All I can say is WOW! My hair has never looked (and equally as important) FELT better! I am originally from New York, and after having read Maritza's(and Kenny's bio) I had VERY HIGH EXPECTATIONS, and they were met! No wonder it says in Maritza's bio that it is New Yorks loss(I guess she recently moved out here to the west coast) and San Francisco's gain! Well it certainly is my gain! I am going to tell all of my friends to go see these two remarkable people! They truly make a great team! My appointment began on time(down to the last minute!) I was greeted with a warm friendly smile, I was asked a number of different questions during our consultation, and I felt (for once, in the many years I have been having my hair colored and cut professionally) that the two of these people REALLY listed to what I was looking for! I left the salon feeling relaxed, and looking like a MILLION dollars! The salon was nice, the front desk person EXTREMELY helpful and pleasant and from the very start of my experience I felt truly welcomed! This is a high-end salon with ZERO attitude!(I have been to many salons in Union Sqaure and on Maiden Lane) and never felt as welcomed as with this salon! Definetly worth going back over and over! and one word of advice, RUSH to go see this amazing "team" before they get all booked up! Oh, and the on line booking is VERY convenient as well! Pros: SKILL, WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE! NICE ARTWORK ON WALLS, EASY PARKING Cons: Not inexpensive.....BUT WORTH IT! more

I just moved to San Francisco and just happened upon Utopia Salon doing an internet search(they are all over the place!) and after checking out their web site decided to schedule an appointment with a stylist named Kenny Berk,after having read his impressive bio(resume?) I was expecting a lot and He certainly delivered! I have never in all of my years received a better haircut! No wonder, he is a Redken educator and plat form artist (I learned that after he gave me several cards to give to all of my co-workers and friends) Kenny really took the time to listen to what exactly I was looking for(expecting) he asked me a whole series of questions, "how much time do I spend styling my hair?" "what products I use?" etc I have never had a stylist(cutter) spend so much time with me(during the consultation and the cut!) Best of all the cut is so wonderful I am able to style it on my own(at home!) when I think of all of the time/money wasted on other stylists in the past promising me a "great cut" and something I can "style on my own, at home" and was NEVER able to achieve the same, it just makes me angry, but not with Kenny! This is simply the best cut I have ever gotten! The salon is nice enough, people are friendly, the front desk person wasn't snooty and didn't look at me with that blank expression most receptionists give you in most "high-end salons" so all I can say is don't walk, but RUSH to see this extremely talented stylist! I paid a good amount for the haircut, but let's face it you can tell quality after 2 or 3 weeks(and my haircut was over 2 weeks ago and it is growing out great!) so it is WELL WORTH the $! the TRUE sign of a good cut(I take that back GREAT cut!) My appointment began on time, and Kenny shared with me the Redken products he used on me(so I can achieve the same look at home on my own!) I will definetly be back and hope he doesn't get too booked up(so I can selfishly see him anytime I please!) Pros: KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, PROFESSIONAL Cons: Can't think of one single "Con"! more

I recently went to Utopia for a haircut after reading reviews on CitySearch. Tony gave me a wonderful haircut. He actually spent the time to listen to me and discussed my hair type and problems. I have wavy, thick hair and it is often difficult to manage. He did a great job! The cut/style was $75 which I thought was reasonable. The best part was the on-line booking. This is great for busy people who don't have time to go through available appointments with the receptionist. I will definately be returning to Utopia. Pros: on-line appointments, good cut for a reasonable price, stylist actually listens to client! Cons: parking more